Bethlehem planners OK LVIP VII subdivision plan

Development could begin by April

tenants not named yet.

The redevelopment of former Bethlehem Steel land into a commerce park took another step forward Thursday with the approval of a subdivision of 232 acres by the Bethlehem Planning Commission.

The commission gave the green light to Lehigh Valley Industrial Park Inc. to carve off two parcels  one 32 acres and one 22 acres  from the 232-acre Saucon tract that is wedged between Daly Avenue and Shimersville Road, north of Route 412.

The commission also approved a plan by Ashley Development Corp. to develop 12 acres at Cherry Lane and Easton Road into 192 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

Kerry Wrobel, president of LVIP, said he hopes to have development started by April and expects to announce the tenants for the two lots before then. The identity of the companies remains a secret.

Wrobel would only say that the companies are significant-sized industrial concerns.

We have two that weve been working with but negotiations arent complete, Wrobel said. Our hope is to make some announcement before we start construction.

When the Saucon tract is fully developed, Wrobel said, the project will be broken down into 32 lots ranging in size from 4 to 32 acres.

Bigger lots on the northern side of the tract are close to rail lines, making them attractive for distribution uses.

Smaller lots along the highway, which will be the most visible part of the first phase of development, will be high-end flexible office space that could possibly include commercial space such as a deli, Wrobel said.

The remaining land in the tract would be built over years and be 50 percent built by 2008.

The approval kick-starts a fast-track effort by LVIP to get the former Steel land back on the tax rolls. The LVIP project is part of a larger one planned for about 1,600 acres of former Steel land.

The entrance to the park would be Emery Boulevard at Route 412.

The Saucon tract, unlike much of the rest of the former Steel property, is free of contaminants, which makes it the most attractive place to start development, Wrobel said.

There is strong interest in the site, Wrobel said.

The commission also approved a 1920s architectural-style development that will target upscale renters for the 12-acre former Bethlehem Steel airfield along Cherry Lane.

The 192 townhouse apartments will be in 11 buildings scattered over 11 acres. Rather than building identical apartments over a flat lot, the buildings would use early-20th century architectural styles and be built on the rolling slopes of the property.

The complex also would include a small coffee shop and a fitness center and offer Internet concierge service, according to Ashley spokesman Richard Brooks.

Last year, the city rezoned the tract from heavy industry to residential.

To help ease traffic congestion at the entrance to the development, a traffic signal will be installed at Route 412, and Cherry Road and Easton Road will be widened along the entire length of the development.

The project is expected to take about a year to complete.

A 21-unit single family townhouse development to be known as Linden Court Condominiums also was approved by the commission for a 3-acre lot at 3304 Linden St.

The two-story condo development at East Boulevard is the second housing development plan for that stretch of road in two months.

In December plans were announced to build a $2 million, 52-bed assisted living center a block away, at Oakland Road and Route 191.